Under the rule, rail workers must receive leave, counseling, education on coping methods and other applicable support services after witnessing a traumatic event – which could include a fatality or amputation.

The final rule intends to help reduce the likelihood of rail workers developing post-traumatic stress disorder or other serious conditions, as well as help improve rail safety by relieving traumatized workers from performing safety-critical duties.

FRA notes that many railroads already have similar plans in place, but the Rail Safety Improvement Act mandated the final rule to ensure all applicable rail workers receive post-incident trauma support.